CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee -(WDEF) ML King Blvd from Gateway Avenue all the way down to nearly the interstate remains closed in both directions while city crews determine the extent of the damage caused by a water main break.
The break occurred Saturday morning after a car ran over a fire hydrant at the intersection of ML King Blvd. and Gateway Avenue.
Tennessee American Water Authorities said the impact caused a shock wave that traveled down the roadway which caused a water main to rupture in two spots.
The rupture left water gushing everywhere. Crews worked all day and night filling the holes but their work is far from over.
"Public works is going to look at the damage that was done under the road not basically what was done on top of the road," said Jojo Scott of Chattanooga Barricades.
Scott said until repairs are complete, motorist are advised to not move or drive around the barricades that strip of roadway is dangerous.
"There's two large concrete pads there that's just been poured that are anywhere from five to seven foot deep," Scott said.
On several occasions, Scot and his crew have been forced to move barricades back in place after motorist have moved them to drive down the street. Scott is worried that a motorist may drive over a surface that could cave in.
In some spots, the road has buckled up as much as a foot so someone drove over it, there's a good chance that motorist could damage the bottom of their vehicle.
"If a person hits it in a small car or a low car could bust an oil pan, a gas or transmission pan. The Road is closed for their safety. Not for ours," Scott said.
